Plant Biology

Biology 336: Plant Biology

George M. Diggs, Jr.
Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies
Austin College, Sherman, Texas
& Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Fort Worth

Plant Biology -- Fall 2011

PLANT BIOLOGY RESEARCH SUMMARY AND LITERATURE CITED

Assignment: Each student will be required to do a short summary of the most recent botanical research on a topic of their own choosing. The final product will be a three-four page (typed, double-spaced) summary paper and an associated literature cited. The grade will be determined by the depth of research, the recentness of the references, and the integration and understanding shown in the summary. The purpose of this paper is not for you to produce a lengthy tome; rather it is for you to learn about doing up-to-date research on a specific scientific topic. You are required to use an on-line search (the Abell Library can digitally access a huge number of journals). Indicate in your literature cited how you found each reference (e.g., internet, bibliography of another paper, etc.). You should have at least ten references including at least five recent original research articles from appropriate scientific journals (e.g. Science, Systematic Botany, Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, etc.). Articles in sources such as Discover and Scientific American are usually summaries, not presentations of original research. You may also include this type of summary or older or more general reference works in addition to your five original research articles. An "original research article" is a report in which the authors present new data and conclusions based on those data. The citation of references and the format of your literature cited must follow the examples on the example research paper that is provided to you ("in note" style). Because of interlibrary loan time constraints, you should begin work on your paper at least one month in advance of the deadline. I suggest you discuss your choice of topic with me before investing substantial time. Your title, a typed paragraph outlining the topic, and a list of at least three references are due at class time on Tuesday, 25 October. The assignment is due at class time on Tuesday, 15 November. Staple this sheet to the front of your paper prior to handing it in. You will give a twelve minute oral presentation (Powerpoint format) based on your topic during one of our last classes or laboratories.

STUDENT ______________________________

GRADE ________________________________

1. Literature Cited (depth of research; topic covered adequately?;

number and diversity of appropriate references) _________

2. Recentness of references ______________________________________

3. Computer searches/Internet references indicated _____________________

4. Integration and understanding shown ____________________________

5. Correct format (references, lit. cited, length, typed, etc.) ______________

6. Title, paragraph, and list of references completed and on time __________

7. Oral presentation of paper _____________________________________

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